The Illinois Senate just passed the marriage bill, 34-21! Together, we just made history in Illinois. Reblog this image to celebrate this incredible victory and help us carry today’s momentum to the House:http://bit.ly/VUrFDq

The Illinois Senate on Thursday is expected to advance a bill legalizing same-sex marriage to a vote in the state House of Representatives, the last remaining obstacle to marriage equality in the land of Lincoln.

The state House of Representatives is considered to be more conservative than the state Senate and those opposed to the bill are also ramping up their efforts. Downstate, Springfield Bishop Thomas John Paprocki issued a screed urging that Catholics who “propose or promote the legal establishment of marriage as something other than the union of one man and one woman harm the common good of society.”

If Illinois moves to legalize same-sex marriage, it will become the tenth marriage equality U.S. state. The state has had civil unions available for same-sex couples since June 2011.

"It’s a fabulous day for Illinois! Same-sex couples and their children can celebrate a new era of equality in the Land of Lincoln. With the 5th most populous state in the union embracing the freedom to marry, we have moved much closer to bringing equality to all Americans."

The marriage bill in Illinois passed in the House Executive Committee! Click the heart to celebrate this historic step towards securing the freedom to marry and then help us carry this momentum to the House floor! http://bit.ly/WjgEML